The following are some suggestions which will assist you in building and maintaining quality professional relationships:
 

• The classes you will be assigned or the case load you will assume will be culturally diverse. Treat each student as an individual.  Respect their contributions as worthy and important and intentionally create a classroom climate that reflects a multicultural and individualized perspective with attention given to materials, activities and positive interactions.  Remember to use positive nonverbal behavior like smiling.

• Listen to and watch what is going on in your school, classroom, or community.  Be a skillful observer, take notes, gather information, and ask questions which strive for understanding.  This is your opportunity to tap the expertise of professional educators and learn as much as you can during this short time.

• The practices we observe in the field may not always conform to what you believe in or have learned in your formal coursework.  If you have some concerns about a specific practice, ask questions in a non-judgmental manner to gain further insight about school policy, a teacher, classroom practices, or a student's behavior.

• Often information shared in the school setting is not appropriate for other audiences.  Not only is it important to respect the information you have about students and their families but you also need to be discrete about sharing the experiences you encounter in the classroom or in the school with those outside of that environment.  Confidentiality is an expected professional attribute.

• Be sure that you really do know your personal biases, particularly as they are going to affect your attitudes and actions toward students, parents, or other professionals in the school.  You need to be sure that these biases do not interfere with your professional responsibilities.

• Recognize that you communicate through both verbal and nonverbal avenues.  Be sure that both your verbal and nonverbal communication reflect a positive attitude and professional image.

• Recognize that others judge you and make decisions about you based upon your personal appearance and manner.  Take your cues from the standard or norms established within your building.

• Often you will be expected to participate in collaborative activities with other teachers.  In inclusive settings you may team teach with another educator.  If you are a special educator you may work closely with a variety of regular educators in team teaching situations.  It is essential that you learn how to work effectively with others.  Communicating openly and honestly, and being respectful of other views are essential attributes of a team player, and will facilitate the maintenance of a healthy work environment.

• Your relationship with your mentor teacher is a vital one.  The way you conduct yourself initially will have a significant influence upon your working relationship with your mentor teacher.  Exhibit an interest in what goes on in the classroom.  Taking notes, asking questions, becoming actively involved, and being responsive to requests for assistance will contribute to the mentor teacher's perception of your potential to assume increased responsibility.

• Observations will be conducted on a regular basis by your college supervisor and mentor teacher.  This may be a stressful experience for some teacher candidates. In order to make the observation less stressful and maintain a positive working relationship, consider their written and verbal feedback objectively, ask questions about points that may be unclear and be willing to problem solve together.  Suggest to your supervisor what you want them to focus upon.  Try not to react defensively and produce excuses for instruction that did not go as you intended.  Instead, try to incorporate their suggestions into your teaching.  Showing an interest in improving and learning will promote good relationships, and make it easier for your supervisor and mentor teacher to be helpful.

• You may have the opportunity to interact with parents during your student teaching experience.  Try to learn as  much as you can about the community.  Help parents to feel welcomed and appreciated when they visit the school. Always be courteous and professional.  It is a good practice to have the mentor teacher present when conferring with a parent about their child's performance.

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Last updated on November 20, 2002